Project for 2014

I like to set myself challenges and I thought next season I'd combine the sailing with a little research.

Ever since I started sailing with the Drascombe crowd there have been a cluster or group of venerable souls who seems to absorb local knowledge and information about the ports and locations we sail to- they know the characteristics of the port, the characters and the history of the area.

I thought next year the challenge would be to try and get some of this knowledge down and combine it with conversations with locals - the harbour master, fisherman etc and try to compile a series of articles on here.

 A sample of the venerable Drascombers

We'll see how it goes but you have been warned - you Drascombe lot - prepare to be downloaded for the greater good.

Contributions to the articles/notes are welcome - our first sailing event is the early May bank holiday  so we'll see where we go and who I can speak to.

End of Season review

Well the season is well and truly over now. The Drascombe dinner at CYC earlier in the month puts the final stamp on it and then it's looking forward to the February dinner and the new season that lies ahead.

Daislebee is put to bed, cushions, batteries, sails etc all safely stored at home, the mast down and her winter cover tied down snugly.

Caroline and our new(ish) dog Suki, came down to help with the winterisation in late October. She was very good, taking the boat out of her berth, around the marina to warm up the engine and then mooring her along side the pontoon where we dealt with the antifreeze. It bodes well for a short trip next season ... we'll see.....

Caroline and Suki

We spent the weekend in Chichester and enjoyed looking around the city once our work at the boat was done.

It is about this time of year I do a review of the season so here it is:-

• In spite of work I managed 26 nights afloat
• I sailed on the East Coast for the first time
• I didn't need to use the heater - so I'll keep it on board for next season
• I used the grill fitting a couple of time with success so I'll keep that as well
• I expanded my recipes for on board cooking
• I saw a RIB dropped form a C-130
• I had some great sails and good times with all concerned.
• My wife came on the boat - didn't hate it and may come for a voyage next year.

So a very good season, blessed with a lot of good weather. I'm looking forward to the next one and planning already.